Opening the Courthouse
Like the Gaol, the courthouse was not on schedule to open in the fall of 1853.
The original estimated date of completion had been August 15, 1853. With setbacks and changes, the building could not be completed on time. In addition, when all the receipts were submitted, the total expenditure was £11,405. Mr. Elwood in tendering for the buildings was guided by the figures submitted by architect, John Turner, based on building the Brantford Courthouse.
A special committee reported on the completion of the work. It was determined “that after taking into consideration the advance in price of material and labor – that the buildings have been erected in as judicious and economical a manner as the circumstances would admit, and that the beautiful workmanship and design is not surpassed by any building in Canada West.”
The Royal Arms Rampant, located outside the Courthouse, measures twelve feet by six feet and cost £93. It was supplied by Messrs. Cochranes and Pollack of Toronto and created from a sketch drawn by Mr. John M. Walthew. Mr. Walthew also painted the picture placed in the courtroom. A special resolution in January 1855 recognized the beautiful work completed by Mr. Walthew.
Sculpted faces were placed in the east and west gables of the building. The face in the west gable resembles
Lord Elgin, after whom the county was named. The sculpted face in the east gable is believed to be architect, John Turner.
The first Court of Quarter Sessions was held in the Courthouse on January 5, 1854 and on April 11, 1854, Hon. Justice Draper opened the first Court of Assize.
By June 7, 1854, all the offices in the Court House were occupied, and the building was completed with the exception of some painting and the erection of the Royal Arms.